An Interview with Charlie Hernandez, Founder and CEO of My Pocket Lawyer
Welcome back to Found, where we explore the stories behind startups. This week, Becca and Dom are joined by Charlie Hernandez, the founder and CEO of My Pocket Lawyer, an online platform that aims to democratize access to legal advice and guidance for those who may not be able to afford a lawyer.
The Problem with Traditional Legal Access
Charlie Hernandez: "I decided to leave a traditional career in law because I realized that the current system is not serving people’s needs. Many individuals can’t afford a lawyer, and even when they can, it’s often too expensive or inaccessible due to geographical constraints."
Becca Szkutak: "That’s a huge problem. How do you plan to tackle this issue with My Pocket Lawyer?"
How My Pocket Lawyer Uses AI
Charlie Hernandez: "My Pocket Lawyer uses artificial intelligence (AI) to curate publicly available legal documents for our users. We’ve created a platform that allows individuals to input their specific situation and receive tailored guidance on what steps they need to take next."
Dom Davis: "That’s fascinating. How does the AI system work?"
Charlie Hernandez: "We use natural language processing (NLP) to analyze the user’s input and match it with relevant legal documents. Our team of experts then review these matches to ensure accuracy and provide additional guidance where needed."
Why a Startup Approach is More Effective
Becca Szkutak: "You mentioned that a startup approach is more effective in tackling this problem compared to a nonprofit or pro bono model. Can you explain why?"
Charlie Hernandez: "Startups are inherently scalable, which means we can reach more people and provide more services without the same overhead costs as traditional non-profits or pro bono models. Additionally, our data-driven approach allows us to continually improve and refine our platform based on user feedback."
The Feedback from Potential Customers and the Legal Industry
Dom Davis: "What kind of feedback have you received from potential customers and the legal industry?"
Charlie Hernandez: "Unfortunately, some of it has been… less than constructive. Some people in the legal industry view us as a threat or don’t understand our value proposition. However, we’ve also had incredibly positive feedback from individuals who are struggling to access justice."
Challenges Ahead
Becca Szkutak: "What do you think are some of the biggest challenges ahead for My Pocket Lawyer?"
Charlie Hernandez: "One major challenge is gaining customer trust. Many people may be skeptical about using an online platform for legal advice, especially if they’re not familiar with technology or have had negative experiences in the past."
Dom Davis: "That’s a valid concern. How do you plan to address this issue?"
Charlie Hernandez: "We’re committed to transparency and education. We’ll continue to develop our platform and provide clear, accessible information about how we work and what users can expect from us."
How My Pocket Lawyer Plans to Monetize
Becca Szkutak: "One question that’s been on everyone’s mind is how My Pocket Lawyer plans to make money. Can you share some details?"
Charlie Hernandez: "We’re exploring various revenue streams, including subscription-based models and partnerships with legal service providers. Our primary goal is to create a sustainable business model that allows us to continue providing accessible legal advice and guidance to those who need it most."
The Future of My Pocket Lawyer
Dom Davis: "What’s next for My Pocket Lawyer? Do you have any exciting developments or announcements on the horizon?"
Charlie Hernandez: "We’re committed to continuous improvement and growth. In the coming months, we’ll be expanding our services to new areas, including immigration law and family law. We’re also exploring partnerships with other organizations to further amplify our impact."
Conclusion
My Pocket Lawyer is an innovative solution that aims to democratize access to legal advice and guidance for those who may not be able to afford a lawyer. By leveraging AI and a scalable startup approach, Charlie Hernandez and his team are working towards creating a more just and equitable society.
About My Pocket Lawyer
- Website: www.mypocketlawyer.com
- Twitter: @mypocketlawyer
- Instagram: @mypocketlawyer
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